PUBLISHED April 28, 2026
Dutch Export Growth Continues
According to “Trends in Export: Nederland blijft wereldwijd actief, Europa steeds belangrijker” published by evofenedex, Dutch companies increased their export revenue by 3% in 2025. Nearly half of exporters reported higher export turnover, showing that international business activity remained resilient despite geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.
Confidence Drops to Multi-Year Low
Despite stronger revenue, exporter confidence in the economic climate weakened significantly. The average confidence score fell to 5.9, the lowest level in years. Evofenedex noted that the last time confidence dropped below 6 was during the financial crisis in 2009.
Moderate Growth Expected for 2026
Even with softer sentiment, exporters still expect further expansion this year. Respondents forecast average export growth of 4% in 2026, suggesting that Dutch businesses remain cautious but optimistic about future opportunities.
The report highlights that Europe is becoming increasingly important for Dutch exporters. More than two-thirds of export revenue is generated within the European Union. Germany remains the leading destination, followed by Belgium and France. Exporters also increasingly view Europe as the safest region for medium- and long-term opportunities.
The report highlights that Europe is becoming increasingly important for Dutch exporters. More than two-thirds of export revenue is generated within the European Union. Germany remains the leading destination, followed by Belgium and France. Exporters also increasingly view Europe as the safest region for medium- and long-term opportunities.
Although Europe is gaining weight, Dutch companies continue to expand globally. Among the top six new markets entered by exporters in 2025, only Sweden and Norway were in Europe. The others were the United States, Chile, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, showing that Dutch firms still actively pursue worldwide growth.
One of the most striking findings is that businesses are leaving around €70 billion in export potential unused due to internal barriers. These include limited market knowledge, slow supply chains, unclear goals, insufficient budgets, and weak ICT systems. Evofenedex estimates this may cost companies €20–25 billion in lost profits.
The overall message is that Dutch exporters are adapting to a changing world. Europe offers stability, proximity, and predictability, while global markets still provide growth opportunities. For 2026, success may depend on how well Dutch companies combine regional security with international ambition.
Although Europe is gaining weight, Dutch companies continue to expand globally. Among the top six new markets entered by exporters in 2025, only Sweden and Norway were in Europe. The others were the United States, Chile, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, showing that Dutch firms still actively pursue worldwide growth.
One of the most striking findings is that businesses are leaving around €70 billion in export potential unused due to internal barriers. These include limited market knowledge, slow supply chains, unclear goals, insufficient budgets, and weak ICT systems. Evofenedex estimates this may cost companies €20–25 billion in lost profits.
The overall message is that Dutch exporters are adapting to a changing world. Europe offers stability, proximity, and predictability, while global markets still provide growth opportunities. For 2026, success may depend on how well Dutch companies combine regional security with international ambition.
